Sports shoe able to cooperate with a binding device attached to a sliding board

ABSTRACT

Sports shoe ( 4 ) having a strap ( 28 ) able to pass over the top of a foot or able to pass over an instep, and at least one securing means ( 30 ), the strap including a first free end ( 29 A) connected to the at least one securing means ( 30 ) and a second free end ( 29 B) connected to the at least one securing means ( 30 ), the at least one securing means ( 30 ) being able to collaborate with a binding device ( 3 ) attached to a sliding board ( 2 ) so as to transmit a force at least downwards onto the first free end ( 29 A) and onto the second free end ( 29 B) of the strap ( 28 ).

This application claims priority of French application No. FR1908869 of Aug. 2, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sports shoe, notably a shoe for winter sports, particularly for snowboarding. The invention also relates to a binding system comprising a binding device intended to be attached to a sliding board and such a sports shoe. The invention relates finally to equipment for snowboarding, comprising a sliding board and such a binding system.

BACKGROUND ART

Snowboarding involves descending snow-covered slopes on a sliding board to which the two shoes of the user are attached. In order to attach a shoe, use is generally made of a binding device comprising a support attached to the sliding board and a number of flexible straps attached to the support at their ends and passing over the shoe. The support, which is generally made of plastic, at least partially envelops the sole, the rear and the sides of the shoe. The binding generally comprises two straps, one of which passes over the instep and the other of which passes over the front of the shoe, in the vicinity of the toes. These straps are used to press the shoe down firmly into the bottom of the support. Each strap is made up of two parts able to collaborate with one another via a tightening means, for example of the ratchet buckle type, in order to obtain good retention of the foot.

In order to attach a shoe to the sliding board, after having slackened off the straps so as to allow the shoe to be placed into the binding, the user generally needs to position his foot in the bottom of the support of the binding and then tighten the straps of the binding in succession. This operation is tricky and often requires the user to sit down in the snow in order to strap himself into the sliding board. However, this operation needs to be repeated numerous times during a day of snowboarding because the use of the mechanical lifts generally requires at least one of the two feet to be free. The degree of tightening obtained after each operation may differ. The user therefore has to get used to snowboarding with a level of comfort that may differ between each of the tightening and slackening operations. In addition, existing straps may break, notably on account of the repeated number of times they are manipulated, and this may prove particularly dangerous when the user is descending a ski slope at full speed.

EP0885036 discloses a binding system, commonly referred to as a “step-in” binding, comprising a binding device attached to a sliding board and a shoe collaborating with the binding device. To achieve that, a securing device is fixed under the sole of the shoe. This binding system offers more rapid strapping-in when the sole is not encumbered with snow. However, if there is snow or ice sticking to the binding device underneath the sole, the operation of strapping the board on may become more difficult or even impossible. It then often becomes necessary to carefully clean the sole in order to be able to attach the shoe to the sliding board. In addition, such a binding system secures the foot via the sole rather than via the top of the foot or the instep as in conventional binding systems, and users do not like the feel created by this type of attachment. This is because the transmission of force from the foot to the sliding board is not as precise and the feelings felt by the user are impaired. The retention of the foot in the shoe is impaired in comparison with a traditional tightening using straps connected to the binding and running over the top of the shoe and of the foot. The level of comfort afforded by such bindings may also be impaired by compression points caused by the binding mechanism arranged underneath the user's foot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the invention is to provide a sports shoe that overcomes the above disadvantages and improves the known sports shoes of the prior art.

More specifically, a first object of the invention is a sports shoe that is practical to use and can be quickly secured to or released from a binding device attached to a sliding board.

A second object of the invention is a sports shoe that allows optimal transmission of impulse from a user to a sliding board in order to control its movement.

A third object of the invention is a sports shoe that is comfortable to the foot of the user.

A fourth object of the invention is a sports shoe that can be used even when snow is liable to build up under the sole of the shoe.

A fifth object of the invention is a sports shoe that facilitates walking.

A sixth object of the invention is a sports shoe that is robust, without the risk of becoming detached from the sliding board.

The invention relates to a sports shoe, comprising a strap able to pass over the top of a foot or able to pass over an instep, and at least one securing means, the strap comprising a first free end and a second free end, at least one of the two free ends being connected to the at least one securing means, the at least one securing means being able to move with respect to the rest of the shoe and able to collaborate with a binding device attached to a sliding board so as to transmit a force at least downwards onto the first free end and onto the second free end of the strap.

Each of the two free ends may be connected to a separate securing means, each of the two securing means being movable with respect to the rest of the shoe.

The strap may be mounted with the ability to slide with respect to an upper of the shoe.

The sports shoe may comprise a guide slot, the at least one securing means being mounted with the ability to slide in the guide slot.

The sports shoe may comprise a lateral part at least partially covering the strap.

The sports shoe may comprise a first securing means attached firmly to the first free end of the strap, and a second securing means attached securely to the second free end of the strap.

The sports shoe may comprise a first securing means connected to the first free end of the strap by a cord, notably by a cable, and/or it may comprise a second securing means connected to the second free end of the strap by a cord, notably by a cable.

The first securing means and the second securing means may extend transversely respectively at the height of a medial malleolus and at the height of a lateral malleolus of the shoe.

The sports shoe may comprise a single securing means, the single securing means being connected to the two free ends of the strap by a cord, the single securing means extending longitudinally towards the rear of the shoe.

The sports shoe may comprise an adjusting means for adjusting the length of the strap.

The sports shoe may comprise a sole, a front part of the sole comprising an abutment means able to collaborate with a mating means on a base of a binding device.

The sports shoe may comprise an external element, external to the shoe, the external element comprising a guide slot, the at least one securing means being mounted with the ability to slide in the guide slot.

The sports shoe may comprise a rear part which is mobile so as to allow a foot to be inserted into the shoe.

The sports shoe may be configured for snowboarding, and it may comprise fasteners.

The invention also relates to a binding system, comprising:

-   -   a shoe as defined hereinabove, and     -   a binding device comprising a bearing surface, the bearing         surface being able to collaborate with the at least one securing         means of the shoe in order to transmit a force at least         downwards onto the first free end and onto the second free end         of the strap of the shoe.

The invention also relates to equipment for snowboarding, comprising a sliding board and at least one binding system as defined hereinabove, notably two binding systems as defined hereinabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of one particular embodiment given without implying limitation, in connection with the attached figures among which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of equipment for snowboarding according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sports shoe according to one embodiment, the shoe being in the configuration for being put onto the foot.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strap of the shoe.

FIG. 4 is a view of the strap, in profile.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the shoe.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an abutment means intended to be fixed under the sole of the shoe.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a binding device of a binding system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a binding system according to one embodiment of the invention, the binding system being in an offering-up configuration.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the binding system, the binding system being in a retention configuration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the binding system, the binding system being in a tightening configuration.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shoe in a retention configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the shoe in a tightening configuration.

FIG. 13 is a schematic face-on view of the shoe, with the shoe withstanding loading in roll.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a sports shoe according to a first variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a sports shoe according to a second variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a sports shoe according to a third variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a sports shoe according to a fourth variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the sports shoe according to the fourth variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a back strip of the sports shoe according to the fourth variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial rear view of the sports shoe according to the fourth variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of part of a sports shoe according to a fifth variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic side view of the sports shoe according to the fifth variant embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of a sports shoe according to a sixth variant embodiment of the invention, the shoe being in the fastened configuration.

FIG. 23 is a schematic side view of the sports shoe according to the sixth variant embodiment of the invention, the shoe being in the open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts equipment 1 for snowboarding, according to one embodiment of the invention. The equipment 1 comprises a sliding board 2, two binding devices 3 and a pair of shoes 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. The sliding board has an elongate shape, extends overall in a plane and has turned-up front and rear ends. A first face of the sliding board, or underside, is intended to come into contact with a snow-covered surface, while the two binding devices are attached to the other face of the sliding board, namely to the top face. The two binding devices serve to attach the two shoes 4 of a user to the sliding board 2. The two binding devices and, therefore, the two shoes, are attached substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the sliding board extends. As an alternative, and most commonly, the two shoes may be attached differently: for example, they may be attached so that they form an angle other than a right angle with the axis Y1 along which the board extends. It is also possible for the user to adjust the orientation of each binding device on the board.

As an alternative, the shoes 4 may be attached side by side as for a monoski, one on either side of the axis Y1, or one behind the other as with a skwal board. According to yet another different variant, the two shoes may each be attached to a distinct sliding board, as with skiing, or else to snow shoes. It is possible for the equipment to comprise just one shoe according to the invention, the other shoe could then be a shoe according to the prior art and be secured to the sliding board or to any other equipment via a conventional binding device. More generally, the invention is of use in the manufacture of any sports shoe intended to be secured to sports equipment, such as a cycling shoe for example.

The description which follows will focus on a binding system 5 made up of a binding device 3 and of a shoe 4 able to collaborate with the binding device. The shoe may, without preference, be a left shoe or a right shoe, and may be in any shoe size.

In this document, what is defined as the longitudinal axis X of the shoe is the axis along which the foot of the user extends from the heel towards the toes when the user's foot is in place in the shoe. The terms “front” and “rear” are defined in relation to the longitudinal axis X, the rear denoting the end towards the heel and the front, the end towards the toes. The transverse axis Y refers to an axis perpendicular to the axis X and oriented from left to right from the user's point of view. For the purposes of the description, it is assumed that the shoe is resting via its sole on a horizontal support. The axis X and the axis Y therefore define a horizontal plane. The axis Z denotes the vertical axis, perpendicular to the axes X and Y. The axis Z is oriented from the bottom upwards. The axes X, Y and Z form an orthogonal frame of reference.

With reference to FIG. 2, the shoe 4 is a high-fitting shoe. The shoe 4 may also be referred to as a “boot”. It envelops the foot, the ankle and the lower part of the leg of the user. As a variant, the invention could also be adapted to a low-fitting shoe, notably a shoe that does not envelop the user's ankle. The shoe 4 is configured for snowboarding, and notably comprises snow-resistant materials. It protects the foot from the snow and from the cold while affording sufficient comfort. It has a stiffness suited to snowboarding and also allows the ankle a certain degree of mobility for walking.

The shoe 4 comprises a sole 21 and an upper 22 attached to the sole 21. The sole 21 extends horizontally under the underside of the foot of the user. The upper 22 at least partially surrounds the sides of the foot, the top of the foot, and the lower part of the leg. The shoe further comprises an upper part 23 which covers the top of the foot. According to the embodiment of the invention, the upper part 23 is formed by a front tongue. It would not constitute a departure from the scope of the invention if the upper part were formed by part of the upper, or part of the upper and of the tongue. The tongue extends substantially from the front of the shoe, in a region situated above the toes or above the start of the toes, as far as the lower part of the leg, in the region of the tibia. In particular, the tongue covers the instep and the lower part of the tibia of the user. The tongue is partially covered by lateral parts 22′ of the upper 22. More specifically, the lateral edges of the tongue pass under the upper 22 and therefore extend closer to the user's foot. In a variant embodiment of the invention, the tongue could pass over the top of the upper 22 and partially cover the lateral parts 22′ of the upper. The tongue is able to move towards the front of the shoe in order to enlarge an opening 24 in the top of the shoe so as to allow the insertion of the user's foot. Lateral flaps 25, attached to the upper 22 or formed thereon, cover the right and left sides of part of the tongue. They may cover a top part of the tongue or, as a variant, any other part of the tongue, or may even fully cover the tongue. The lateral flaps 25 are equipped with means 26 for fastening the shoe. The fastening means 26 allow the shoe 4 to be tightened around the foot or around the lower part of the leg of the user. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastening means 26 are formed by the combination of hooks with a lace. In a variant, the fastening means could be different. For example, they could comprise hook-and-loop fasteners, thongs or else a winder mechanism, notably a mechanism of the BOA® type. The shoe 4 may also comprise a front reinforcing element 27, substantially at the level of the user's toes. The front reinforcer 27 may partially cover both the upper 22 and the bottom of the tongue 23.

The shoe 4 further comprises a strap 28 covering the tongue in the top part of the shoe. According to the embodiment of the invention, the strap 28 extends around the instep region of the shoe. The strap 28 is notably illustrated separately from the shoe in FIGS. 3 and 4. The strap 28 has the overall shape of a U. It extends overall parallel to a median plane between a plane which is horizontal and a plane which is vertical and transverse, namely parallel to a plane inclined overall at 45° with respect to the horizontal plane and inclined overall at 45° with respect to the vertical and transverse plane. The strap comprises a first end 29A positioned substantially in the region of a lateral malleolus of the user's foot and a second end 29B positioned substantially level with a medial malleolus of the user's foot. The two ends 29A and 29B are therefore distinct and opposite ends of the strap. The strap 28 extends between the tongue 23 and the upper 22. More specifically, a central part of the strap 28, between its two ends, extends over the tongue, while the ends 29A, 29B of the strap pass under the upper 22 or through the thickness of the upper 22. The ends 29A, 29B are therefore not visible from the outside and are therefore indicated in dotted line in FIG. 2. Note that the upper may be made of two distinct thicknesses, or even of a greater number of distinct thicknesses, so that the ends 29A, 29B of the strap then extend between two thicknesses of the upper. According to this embodiment, the strap does not come into direct contact with the user's foot or sock. The strap is thus protected from the inside and from the outside.

According to one variant embodiment, the shoe could also be equipped with a removable liner. The ends 29A, 29B of the strap could for example pass between the upper and the inner liner. The strap could then pass over the liner in a central part of the shoe. Finally, the strap may be arranged as desired so as to pass over the top of a foot or so as to pass over an instep.

What is meant by passing over the instep or the top of a foot is that the strap can be arranged, according to various variants:

-   -   so that it passes over the top part of the shoe, notably in such         a way as to pass over the upper and/or the tongue of the shoe;     -   so as to pass through the top part of the shoe, notably so as to         pass through the thickness of the upper and/or through the         thickness of the tongue of the shoe;     -   so as to be positioned on the inside of the shoe, notably under         the upper and/or under the tongue, namely so as to be positioned         so that it is in direct contact with the user's foot or sock.

The width of the strap could be adapted according to the thickness of a portion of shoe interposed between the strap and the top of the foot, so as not to generate painful pressure points on the top of the user's foot. In any case, the strap does indeed pass over the top of the user's foot so as to be able to exert a downwards force on the user's foot.

The two ends 29A, 29B are parts of the strap that extend over several millimetres, or even several centimetres, from the two opposite ends of the strap. The two ends 29A, 29B of the strap are free ends. They are free in relation to the rest of the shoe, notably in relation to the upper or else in relation to the top part of the shoe. In other words, the two ends 29A, 29B are not attached to part of the shoe. The strap 28 is retained on the upper 22 but is not necessarily attached to the upper 22. In particular, the two ends 29A, 29B are not attached to the upper 22 or to the sole 21 or to the tongue 23 or to the lateral flaps 25. They are therefore able to move in at least one direction. In this particular instance, the strap 28 is mounted with the ability to slide, which means to say that it can undergo a translational movement in its entirety, in a direction parallel overall to the direction in which it extends. In a variant embodiment of the shoe 4, the strap could be fixed, for example stitched, to the tongue in the middle of the strap, with the two ends remaining free. The strap could also be retained on the shoe by one or more loops, still allowing its movement by translation and/or by sliding

The strap may be made from a plastic material, possibly fibre-reinforced, or else from a textile material, leather or any other similar material. The strap is preferably not elastic, but without departing from the scope of the invention could exhibit a certain degree of elasticity. The elasticity of the strap could allow more effective tightening of the shoe and/or better distribution of the pressure regions on the top of the foot. The strap may be formed as a single element. According to conceivable variants, the strap could be formed of several parts, joined together, for example by cables, or by screwing, or else by bonding. The various parts that make up the strap could then be articulated to one another.

The two ends 29A, 29B of the strap each comprise a securing means 30, or retaining means 30, intended to collaborate with the binding device 3. The shoe therefore comprises two securing means 30 positioned respectively on an inner lateral side and on an outer lateral side of the shoe. The two securing means 30 may be symmetrical with respect to one another, or may even be identical. The two securing means are attached firmly to the two ends 29A, 29B of the strap respectively. They are therefore attached directly to the two ends respectively and preferably without any degree of freedom between the securing means and the respective end. The securing means 30 may be attached to the strap 28 for example using screws or rivets, or as a variant may be incorporated into the strap, for example being injected at the same time as the strap.

The securing means are able to move with respect to the rest of the shoe in the same way as the two ends of the strap. According to the embodiment given and as is clearly visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, the securing means 30 takes the form of a button projecting laterally towards the outside of the shoe. The two securing means therefore extend transversely with respect to the ends of the strap, respectively at the height of the medial malleolus and at the height of the lateral malleolus of the shoe. Each securing means comprises a cylindrical body 31 surmounted by a disc-shaped head 32. The diameter of the head 32 is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical body 31. The securing means may therefore be an element exhibiting symmetry of revolution about an axis substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y. Note that the securing means could exhibit a single degree of freedom with respect to the end of the strap to which it is attached. This degree of freedom could be a freedom to rotate about its axis of revolution.

The length and/or the shape of the cylindrical body 31 is such that it allows the securing means 30 to collaborate with the binding device whatever the width of the upper of the shoe. Specifically, two shoes of different shoe sizes may not have the same width, particularly in the region of the malleolus bones. In order to collaborate with the one same binding device, the length and/or the shape of the cylindrical body 31 is adapted. For example, a shoe with a narrower upper may comprise securing means of which the cylindrical body is longer than for a shoe with a wider upper. These two different shoes may therefore collaborate with the one same binding device.

Furthermore, the shoe 4 also comprises two guide slots 33 one on each side of the shoe. The guide slots 33 are arranged in a thickness of the wall of the upper 22. They extend overall parallel to the vertical axis Z. The guide slots may advantageously be separated from the inside of the shoe by an internal layer, for example an internal layer of the upper. In this way, the guide slots do not pass through the entire thickness of the shoe and the water tightness of the shoe is maintained. They may have a rectilinear shape or else may comprise one or more curvatures. According to the embodiment shown, the guide slot comprises a substantially vertical top portion followed by an intermediate portion that is inclined slightly downwards and towards the back of the shoe, followed by a bottom portion that is once again vertical. The two securing means 30 are mounted with the ability to slide in each of the two guide slots 33. In particular, the securing means are guided in translation in their respective guide slot 33 by their cylindrical body 31. The guide slot 33 therefore has a width slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical body 31 and less than the diameter of the head 32 of the securing means 30. The securing means 30 therefore pass through a thickness of the upper at the guide slot. The securing means 30 are held in the guide slots 33, but are free to slide therein. The strap 28 is therefore secured to the upper of the shoe via its two securing means. The guide slots 33 limit the amplitude of movement of the securing means 30. In this configuration, the strap positions itself beneath the upper, or in the thickness of the upper, while the head 32 of the securing means 30 is above the upper, on the outside of the shoe. In a variant, at least one securing means 30 could be able to move with respect to the rest of the shoe using an arrangement different from that described. In particular, it might not be guided by guide slots. One or more retaining loops or guiding loops could then ensure the retention of the strap on the shoe, while allowing it to slide freely on the shoe.

Finally, the sole 21 of the shoe comprises an abutment means 34. The abutment means is arranged in a front part of the sole, more specifically in the vicinity of the metatarsals of the user's foot. The abutment means 34 is produced in the form of a notch made in the thickness of the sole. The notch extends longitudinally and opens onto the lower surface of the sole. The notch may have a depth of the order of a few millimetres, or even a few tens of millimetres in the direction of the transverse axis Y. In a variant embodiment, the abutment means could be not hollowed into the thickness of the sole but obtained by virtue of an inset fixed under the sole in a recess provided in the sole for that purpose. As a variant, the insert may be incorporated into the sole of the shoe. Such an insert is depicted in FIG. 6. This insert may for example be made of a metallic material, or else of a plastic material, possibly fibre-reinforced. The insert may be bonded or screwed under the sole or into the sole, but could also be secured to the sole during the injection moulding of the sole: the sole is therefore injection over-moulded onto the insert in place in the mould. According to yet another different embodiment, the abutment means at the front of the sole could be produced by means of lugs (made of metal, plastic or of the same material as the sole) projecting laterally on each side of the sole.

The binding device 3 to which the shoe 4 is intended to be attached is now described with reference for FIG. 7. The binding device 3 comprises a base 10, a first lever 11 and a second lever 12, distinct from the first lever. The base 10 is attached to the sliding board, for example by means of screws screwed into the thickness of the sliding board. It at least partially envelops a sole, a rear part and lateral sides of the shoe 4. For that purpose, the base 10 comprises a baseplate 13 intended to have the underside of the sole of the shoe 4 bearing against it, two lateral flanks 14A, 14B extending one on each side of the baseplate 13 and allowing the shoe to be immobilized laterally. The two lateral flanks are connected to one another by a bow in the shape of the arc of a circle. The two lateral flanks are each provided with a cylindrical lug 15A, 15B, extending towards the inside of the binding device and parallel to the transverse axis Y. The two levers 11, 12 are both able to move in rotation about the one same pivot axle 16. The pivot axle 16 extends parallel to the transverse axis Y at the rear of the baseplate 13. Each lever 11 comprises an opening 17. Each opening 17 comprises a top edge forming a first bearing surface 18, or cam surface, able to collaborate with the securing means 30 attached to the shoe 4. Each lever also comprises a second bearing surface 19 arranged in the top part of the lever.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 now illustrate various steps in the method of attaching the shoe 4 to the binding device 3. With reference to FIG. 8, the shoe 4 is first of all offered up to the binding device so as to cause the abutment means 34, in this instance the notches in the sole 21, to coincide with the lugs 15A, 15B of the binding device 3. Collaboration between the abutment means 34 and the lugs 15A, 15B defines a pivoting connection about an axis of rotation parallel to the transverse axis. The shoe is therefore able to pivot about this axis of rotation. Note that, assuming that the abutment means 34 incorporated into the shoe take the form of transversely projecting lugs, notches of complementary shape would be provided in the lateral flanks 14A, 14B of the base in order to achieve an equivalent pivot connection. The rear part of the shoe then moves downwards, towards the base 10, until the two securing means 30 come to bear against the second bearing surface 19 of each lever 11, 12. The position of the pivot axle 16 with respect to the point of contact between the securing means 30 and the second bearing surfaces 19 is such that it causes the lever to pivot forwards, in the direction of the arrow F1. Advantageously, the strap is stiff enough to allow a force to be transmitted from the foot to the securing means 30 in order to cause the lever to pivot forwards. The direction of sliding of the strap and/or the orientation of the guide grooves 33 may also be adapted so that the force of reaction of the attachment means on an edge of a guide groove is at least roughly perpendicular to this direction of sliding and/or this orientation of the guide grooves. The securing means therefore slide along the second bearing surfaces 19 until they pass behind the levers 11, 12. An opening 111 made in the thickness of each lever then allows the securing means to position themselves against the first bearing surfaces 18. This then achieves a position of non-tightened retention of the shoe in the binding device. This retention position, illustrated in FIG. 9, ensures that the shoe is retained in the binding device without, however, exerting any tightening force on the attachment means 30. From the position illustrated in FIG. 9, the user can actuate the levers 11, 12, by pulling them backwards, in the direction of the arrow F2, so as to cause the securing means to slide along the first bearing surfaces 18. The first bearing surfaces may comprise a series of teeth, each tooth defining a stable position of the lever. The overall cam-portion-shape of the first bearing surfaces brings about a downwards, and possibly backwards, movement of the securing means 30, causing the strap to be tightened over the instep of the shoe. In other words, the lever exerts a downwards, and possibly backwards, force on each of the two ends of the strap. This then yields a shoe 4 that is firmly secured against the base 10 of the binding device, as has been illustrated in FIG. 10. The shoe and the foot are therefore clamped and held against the sliding board by a tightening means that passes over the top of the foot and exerts a force at least downwards. It should be specified that a force at least downwards refers to a force comprising a non-zero component oriented downwards, parallel to the axis Z. The shoe and the foot of the user are therefore firmly pressed against the sliding board. This yields shoe retention that performs as well as retention using conventional binding devices equipped with straps that pass over the top of the shoe. In particular, the upper of the shoe is able to pivot under the strap 28 in a rolling movement, namely about a longitudinal axis. In this tightening configuration, the strap is fixed with respect to the binding device and the shoe is able to slide with respect to the strap in a rotational movement in roll. The shoe is thus movable relative to the assembly formed by the binding on the one hand, and the strap locked by the binding, on the other hand. This freedom of movement, illustrated schematically in FIG. 13, allows the user to vary the way in which his foot presses against the sliding board. With a shoe according to the invention, the user is able to transfer pressure between the right and left sides of his foot while at the same time maintaining good foot retention. The user thus manages to control the sliding board with precision. In addition, the user may secure his shoe to the binding device and release it from the binding device in a way that is particularly quick and easy.

When tightening the shoe against the binding device, each securing means 30 therefore slides along the respective guide slot 33 of the shoe. The securing means 30 therefore passes from a position substantially towards the top of the guide slot 33, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to a position mid-way along the height of the guide slot, as illustrated in FIG. 11, and then to a position at the bottom of the guide slot, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The shoe therefore passes from a configuration of putting the shoe onto the board to a configuration of non-clamped retention (illustrated in FIG. 11) and then to a configuration of clamped retention (illustrated in FIG. 12). Advantageously, each guide slot is long enough not to impede maximum tightening of the strap over the instep of the shoe, and to thus ensure good retention of the foot in the shoe and to the board. The length of the guide slot is also long enough to allow the tongue enough clearance for the foot to be inserted into the shoe to make it easier to put the shoe on. During the course of the downwards movement of the securing means 30, the strap 28 moves progressively closer to the top part of the shoe, particularly of the tongue 23. If there was some clearance between the tongue 23 and the strap 28, this clearance is reduced to zero during the course of the tightening of the shoe. Thus, in the one same operation, the top part of the shoe is tightened against the top of the foot and the shoe is attached firmly to the sliding board. The invention therefore makes it possible, in a single movement, to pass from a comfortable position in which the foot and the shoe are held to the board, without the foot being compressed in the shoe, to a descent position in which both the foot is firmly clamped in the shoe and the shoe is firmly clamped against the sliding board.

FIG. 14 now illustrates a first variant embodiment of the invention. In this variant embodiment, the strap 28 is equipped with an adjusting means 35 for adjusting the length of the strap. The adjusting means 35 therefore makes it possible to modify the distance, defined along the strap, separating the two ends 29A, 29B of the strap. The adjusting means may for example be obtained using a winding mechanism and comprise a rotary knob. Turning this knob in a tightening direction leads to a shortening of the strap and, conversely, turning it in a loosening direction leads to a lengthening of the strap. The strap could be formed of at least two parts joined together by a cable, actuated by the winder. In a variant, the adjusting means 35 could be of the ratchet buckle type driving a rack. In that variant, the strap comprises two parts, one comprising a rack and the other comprising a buckle. The adjusting means 35 may be positioned on the strap itself or, as a variant, may be positioned on the upper or else on the tongue. In the latter configuration, the upper could for example comprise a ratchet buckle which would act on a rack belonging to the strap.

The adjusting means 35 may be used to complement the tightening obtained by the tightening of the levers 11, 12. As a variant, the tightening means 35 could also be used to replace the tightening obtained by the tightening of the levers 11, 12. In that case, the securing means 30 could be fixed relative to the upper of the shoe and no longer able to slide. Such a variant embodiment may also be used in collaboration with a simpler binding device, notably one that does not comprise the first bearing surface as defined hereinabove. The binding device would then simply be equipped with a means for immobilizing the securing means 30 in a position. The clamping of the shoe against the base 10 would then be obtained solely by actuation of the adjusting means 35. In other words, the strap would be tensioned over the instep of the shoe progressively without movement of the securing means. In this variant embodiment, the guide slots 33 could therefore even be omitted.

According to another variant embodiment, the adjusting means 35 may simply serve to define or adjust the position of the securing means 30 in the putting-on configuration, namely the initial position of the securing means so as to collaborate correctly with the bearing surfaces 18, 19 during the securing of the shoe.

FIGS. 15A and 15B respectively illustrate a second and a third variant embodiment of the invention, in which the shoe comprises an external element 36 on which the two guide grooves 33 are arranged. The external element 36 may for example be stitched and/or bonded and/or welded to the upper of the shoe. In a variant, it may be secured to the upper by any other means of attachment. The external element envelops or partially covers the upper of the shoe. According to the variant embodiment of FIG. 15A, the external element 36 takes the form of a stirrup. The stirrup is substantially in the shape of a U. It passes under the sole at the level of the heel of the shoe and rises up on each side at the height of the ankles. According to the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15B, the external element 36 takes the form of two distinct plates fixed to the upper of the shoe, substantially at the height of the malleolus bones. The strap 28 is fixed to the external element 36 by means of the securing means 30. The strap therefore passes over the upper 22 and even locally over the external element 36. The head 32 of the securing means projects laterally from the strap 30 towards the outside of the shoe while the cylindrical body 31 passes through the guide grooves 33. The securing means may also comprise a second head, not visible in FIG. 15A or 15B, at the other end of the cylindrical body 31, to hold the securing means against the external element. The use of such an external element 36 allows the binding system according to the invention to be incorporated into existing shoes, without the need to modify the upper thereof. In particular, it allows guide grooves to be incorporated into a shoe without impairing its water tightness. In addition, the sliding of the strap 28 is facilitated because the strap is not sandwiched between two walls of the shoe. However, the external element 36 could equally cover the ends of the strap. The strap could for example pass between the upper and the flanks of the stirrup. Such an external element 36 may be manufactured for example in injection-moulded plastic, possibly fibre-reinforced, or else in metal.

FIGS. 16 to 19 illustrate a fourth variant embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the shoe 4 comprises a single securing means 30′ positioned at the rear of the shoe substantially midway up the height of the shoe, above the user's heel. It extends longitudinally towards the rear of the shoe 4. The securing means 30′ slides in a guide slot 33′ arranged vertically in a wall of the upper of the shoe. The guide slot is produced at least in one of the external layers of the upper and opens to the outside of the shoe. The securing means 30′ is connected by a cord 37 to the two ends 29A, 29B of the strap 28. The cord 37 may for example be a metal cable or, in a variant, any flexible and somewhat inelastic cord, for example a cord made of Kevlar. Advantageously, the shoe comprises, on each side, two guides 38 guiding the cord between the ends 29A, 29B of the strap and the securing means 30′. These guides 28 may simply comprise a portion in the shape of an arc of a circle along which portion the cord 37 can slide. One or more of these guides 38 may also comprise a pulley. The shoe may comprise a rear stiffener 39 comprising four tabs 39A, 39B, 39C, 39D. These tabs may follow the path of the cord to ensure minimum friction of the cord. The rear stiffener 39 may also support the four guides 38 on each of its four tabs. The rear stiffener may have a shape that is curved to conform to the shape of the rear of the shoe. The rear stiffener 39 may be incorporated into a wall of the shoe at the time of manufacture.

When the securing means 30′ is moved downwards, the cord 37 is tensioned and transmits a force directed downwards and rearwards to each of the two ends of the strap. It is in this way that the tightening of the strap over the instep of the shoe is achieved. Note that the number of guides and the path of the cord may, in a variant, differ. For example, the shoe could comprise just one single guide on each side, and it would then be an upwards movement of the securing means that causes the tightening of the strap over the instep. The cord 37 may be obtained using two distinct cord parts each connected to the single securing means 30′ and to one of the two ends 29A, 29B of the strap. The cord 38 may also be obtained as a single cord joining the first end 29A of the strap to the second end 29B of the strap while passing through an opening made in the securing means 30′. This arrangement would allow the tensions on each side of the strap to be equalized.

FIGS. 20 and 21 again illustrate a fifth variant embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the end 29A of the strap 28 is connected to a cord 40. The cord 40 comprises an end 40A attached to the shoe, notably attached to a top part of the upper of the shoe. The end 40A of the cord may simply be attached to the shoe or, in a refinement, may be attached to an adjusting means 41 for lengthwise adjustment of the cord. The adjusting means is itself attached to the upper of the shoe. The securing means 30″ is not attached directly to the cord but rests against the cord. The securing means is therefore connected to the strap 28 via the cord 40 against which the securing means 30″ rests. The adjusting means 41 may comprise a winding mechanism and may be attached to an external layer 22A of the upper. The cord 40 may then be concealed and protected by an external layer 22B of the upper that also passes over the top of the end 29A of the strap.

According to a sixth variant embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the shoe is of the “rear entry” type. What that means to say is that it comprises a rear part 42 that is able to move to allow the foot to be inserted into the shoe. The rear part is able to move about a transverse pivot 43 substantially at ankle height. The rear part can be moved back to enlarge the opening and facilitate the insertion of the foot. The rear part 42 can then be brought closer to the rest of the shoe and fastened around the lower part of the user's leg. Any arbitrary fastening mechanism, notably a winding mechanism, may be used to fasten the rear part 42 closed. Such a shoe therefore does not have a tongue that has to be pushed forwards in order to be able to insert the foot into the shoe. As a result, the amplitude of movement of the strap may also be smaller than before since the strap does not need to be moved away to free the tongue and make the shoe easier to put on. As a result, the guide slot 33″ may also be planned to be shorter than before.

By virtue of the invention, there is therefore available a sports shoe that combines numerous advantages. Notably, the shoe can be secured quickly and easily to a binding device attached to a sliding board. Non-clamp retention of the shoe to the sliding board can be achieved even without the use of the hands. The shoe can then be tightened against the sliding board in a single hand action. The clamping obtained allows a force to be applied to the top of the foot downwards, leading to firm pressing of the shoe and of the foot against the board, and therefore to optimal control of the sliding board. In addition, the user's foot can follow a rolling movement while at the same time remaining firmly held. The user can thus more easily vary the pressure he applies to the sliding board. Furthermore, the shoe is comfortable because the mechanism for binding it to the sliding board is not arranged under the sole and therefore does not carry the risk of generating painful pressure points. It can even be put on easily even when there is a build-up of snow on the sole. It is also robust because the strap used for tightening is protected at least in part by the upper of the shoe. The strap suffers less deformation than a strap of a conventional binding device because it does not need to be moved aside in order to insert the foot. It is also less exposed to inclement weather conditions and variations in temperature than is a strap of a conventional binding device. As a result, there is less risk of the strap breaking. The binding of the shoe to the sliding board is therefore more robust. Finally, the binding system thus obtained is no heavier than a conventional binding system because the strap attached to the shoe is a strap that may now not be part of the binding device attached to the sliding board. 

1. Sports shoe, comprising: a strap adapted to pass over the top of a foot or to pass over an instep, and at least one securing means, wherein the strap comprises a first free end and a second free end, at least one of the two free ends being connected to the at least one securing means, the at least one securing means being adapted to move with respect to the rest of the shoe and to collaborate with a binding device attached to a sliding board so as to transmit a force at least downwards onto at least one selected from the group consisting of the first free end and the second free end of the strap.
 2. Sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein each of the two free ends is connected to a separate securing means, each of the two securing means being movable with respect to the rest of the shoe.
 3. Sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the strap is mounted with the ability to slide with respect to an upper of the shoe.
 4. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a guide slot, the at least one securing means being mounted with the ability to slide in the guide slot.
 5. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a lateral part at least partially covering the strap.
 6. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a first securing means attached firmly to the first free end of the strap, and a second securing means attached securely to the second free end of the strap.
 7. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a first securing means connected to the first free end of the strap by a cord and a second securing means connected to the second free end of the strap by a cord.
 8. Sports shoe according to claim 6, wherein the at least one selected from the group consisting of the first securing means and the second securing means extends transversely respectively at a height of a medial malleolus and at a height of a lateral malleolus of the shoe.
 9. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a single securing means, the single securing means being connected to the two free ends of the strap by a cord, the single securing means extending longitudinally towards the rear of the shoe.
 10. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising an adjusting means for adjusting the length of the strap.
 11. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a sole, wherein a front part of the sole comprises an abutment means adapted to collaborate with a mating means on a base of a binding device.
 12. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising an external element, external to the shoe, the external element comprising a guide slot, the at least one securing means being mounted with the ability to slide in the guide slot.
 13. Sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a rear part which is mobile so as to allow a foot to be inserted into the shoe.
 14. Sports shoe according to claim 1, which is configured for snowboarding, and which comprises fastening means.
 15. Binding system, comprising: a shoe according to claim 1, and a binding device comprising a bearing surface, the bearing surface being able to collaborate with the at least one securing means of the shoe in order to transmit a force at least downwards onto the first free end and onto the second free end of the strap of the shoe.
 16. Equipment for snowboarding, comprising a sliding board and at least one binding system according to claim
 15. 17. Equipment for snowboarding, comprising a sliding board and two binding systems according to claim
 15. 18. Sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the first securing means is connected to the first free end of the strap by a cord and the second securing means is connected to the second free end of the strap by a cord.
 19. Sports shoe according to claim 18, wherein the first securing means and the second securing means extend transversely respectively at a height of a medial malleolus and at a height of a lateral malleolus of the shoe.
 20. Sports shoe according to claim 7, wherein the first securing means and the second securing means extend transversely respectively at a height of a medial malleolus and at a height of a lateral malleolus of the shoe. 